FAQs

*Due to the pandemic, all sessions are currently through video appointments on a HIPAA Compliant/Confidential platform. Clients must live in California. Coming Soon: resuming in-person therapy. 

Do You Provide Tele-therapy?

Yes. I can provide individual therapy sessions via video. You must live in California for this service with me.  I have a HIPAA compliant, confidential, and secure video session system, which I have been using for the past year.  Video sessions can be through the computer or smartphone. Video sessions can be just as effective as in-person.  I also created videos about tele-therapy:

Tele-therapy is convenient and resolves obstacles associated with coming into the office for an in-person session, such as:

• Accessibility (Live in an area of California that has a shortage of therapists, individuals who experience physical/mobility limitations, college students who are not able to access their on-campus counseling center/have used up the number of sessions provided by the center, etc)
• Caregiver responsibilities (eldercare, children, etc)
• Transportation (removes the hassle of commuting or sitting in traffic, vehicle dependability, etc)

Tele-therapy with me will not be approved if:

• You have been hospitalized for hurting yourself, suicide thoughts or attempt(s), and/or thoughts of hurting others in the past 12 months
• Are skeptical and hesitant about technology because you don’t trust it or you have difficulty using it
• Are actively hurting yourself, have thoughts of seriously killing yourself, and/or have thoughts of hurting others

After the pandemic, will you be providing in-person or video therapy?

After the pandemic, my clients will have to option to continue video therapy or attend in-person therapy.

What happens after I schedule my first session?

I will send you forms to complete through my client portal, and I will review these forms before we meet for our first session.

What can I expect from the first session?

The first session is a great time for me to get to know you and what you’re struggling with. It’s also an opportunity for each of us to ensure that we’re a good fit. We will also talk about what you want to get out of therapy and work together to create treatment goals.

What is therapy like?

I provide a safe place for you to explore the issues you’re dealing with without judgment. Therapy with me is collaborative. I offer tools that help you navigate your life and your relationships more effectively and we explore what to do with the emotions you experience.

How long does therapy last?

I have created a video discussing this topic! Please watch it below:

Please note: Some of these videos were recorded when I practiced at a former location. My practice is now in Irvine.

Investment

$200 per 50-minute weekly session

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance, but we can navigate this. I am happy to provide you with a Superbill, which is a form you can send to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

• That means you’re responsible for the fees at the time of our appointment and, depending on your plan, a certain percentage of that may be paid to you by your insurance company. There is no guarantee that your insurance will reimburse you and you will need to contact them directly to find this out.
• If you would like a Superbill, I encourage you to verify your Out-Of-Network benefits with your insurance prior to your session.
• Insurance companies often require that you be given a clinical diagnosis that goes on your medical record.  In some cases, they might ask for your therapy records. If you desire confidentiality, I encourage you to take as much time as needed to think about if a Superbill fits with your wants and needs.

How is a psychiatrist different from a therapist?

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors and they make recommendations on medication interventions.

Confidentiality policy

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except in the following situations:

• Suspected child abuse, or dependent or elder abuse.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
• Legal proceeding where I am ordered by a judge to break confidentiality.

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